Oda Nobunaga
The first Great Unifier who overthrew the Ashikaga Shogunate before falling to betrayal in Kyoto.
Oda Nobunaga (23 June 1534 – 21 June 1582) was a Japanese samurai and daimyō who dominated the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. Known as the 'Tenka-bito' or 'person under heaven,' he is regarded as the first Great Unifier of Japan. Often called the 'Demon Daimyō' and 'Demon King of the Sixth Heaven,' Nobunaga consolidated power through a series of wars beginning in the 1560s. He overthrew the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1573, conquered most of Honshu by 1580, and defeated the Ikkō-ikki. His rule was defined by innovative military tactics, free trade reforms, and brutal suppression of dissent.
- Role
- Warlord
- Affiliation
- Oda Clan
- Era
- Sengoku Period
Lore & Background
Nobunaga emerged as the most powerful daimyō after a succession crisis following his father Oda Nobuhide's death in 1551. He unified Owari Province by 1559, defeating rivals like Imagawa Yoshimoto at the Battle of Okehazama in June 1560 with only 2,000 to 3,000 men against an army of 25,000. He forged alliances through political marriages, such as his union with Nōhime, daughter of Saitō Dōsan. By 1573, he dissolved the Ashikaga Shogunate and ruled until his death in 1582. His legacy paved the way for Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu to complete Japan's unification shortly after.
In Their Own Story
On 21 June 1582, during the Honnō-ji Incident, Nobunaga was ambushed by his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide in a temple in Kyoto. Trapped and facing overwhelming odds, Nobunaga committed seppuku rather than be captured. This event marked the end of his rule, though his campaign for national unification continued under Hideyoshi. Prior to this, he had spent years consolidating power, from taking Kiyosu Castle at age 21 to defeating his brother Nobuyuki in 1557. His childhood, marked by bizarre behavior like eating melons while riding backwards on a horse, earned him the nickname 'The Fool of Owari' before he became a fearsome leader.
Reader's Guide
Nobunaga's rise began with his inheritance of Nagoya Castle at age 8 and his education under four chief retainers. He led his first campaign against Kira and Ohama in Mikawa in 1547. His early years were filled with conflict, including the defense of Anjō Castle where he traded hostage Matsudaira Takechiyo (later Tokugawa Ieyasu) to save his brother Nobuhiro. After defeating his uncle Oda Nobutomo in 1554 and securing Mino following Saitō Dōsan's death in 1556, he turned his focus outward. His innovative tactics and reforms defined the Azuchi-Momoyama period, named after his castle in Azuchi and Hideyoshi's residence in Momoyama.
Did You Know?
- Nobunaga was born on 23 June 1534, and recent theories suggest he was born in Shobata Castle rather than Nagoya Castle.
- He earned the nickname 'The Fool of Owari' for wearing sleeveless bathrobes and dancing in female clothing in taverns.
- At the Battle of Okehazama in June 1560, Nobunaga defeated an army of 25,000 men with only 2,000 to 3,000 troops.
- Nobunaga committed seppuku on 21 June 1582 after being ambushed by Akechi Mitsuhide at Honnō-ji temple in Kyoto.
- He is one of the three great unifiers of Japan, alongside Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Oda Nobunaga in Nioh?
In this realm, he stands as one of the most formidable figures who sought to bring order through dark supernatural forces. He transforms from a human warlord into an Oni Lord driven by dangerous ambition.
What is his motivation for becoming an Oni?
Nobunaga traded his humanity specifically to achieve the unification of Japan at any cost. This decision bound him to the Oni Realm and corrupted his spirit beyond redemption.
What weapon does he use in combat?
He wields a naginata that reflects his historical background as a samurai leader. His fighting style mixes traditional techniques with the overwhelming strength of a demon king.
Where does the battle against him take place?
Players confront this corrupted spirit within the ruins of Kyoto Castle, which acts as his stronghold. This location represents the political heart he sought to dominate through violence and pacts.
What is his significance in the lore?
Nobunaga represents a tragic figure whose ambition opened a gateway to evil rather than peace. His defeat is necessary to break the curse holding Japan captive within the Sengoku period timeline.
More in Lore & History
Related in Nioh
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